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turbulent_melody
Junior Member

since 2008-10-01

Posts 22
Australia

0 posted 2008-10-02 03:33 AM

Hello all,

This is my first contribution to this website and the incredible world of poetry. I must admit that I believe that I have a lot to learn about poetry, however it is an art worth my learning.

)

I hope you all like this one.

=================================================

A BREED APART.

One more litter on the ground.
Six more mouths to feed.
Two phone calls expressing an interest,
before two rescues are put to sleep.

Bellie died at the age of seven.
She was the seventh to be sent to heaven,
but how can I cry?
When so many others have died?

You tell me that it's for the betterment of the breed,
but after fifteen years you still cannot see
that you have spun a web of undue hurt.
And when the next one comes back you still won't learn
that people do not care as much as you
about the love for and welfare of the Saint Bernard.

Margherita
Member Seraphic

since 2003-02-08

Posts 22236
Eternity

1 posted 2008-10-02 03:43 AM

Welcome to Pip, dear Graham!

This is extremely poignant. When a tender heart is confronted with such choices it hurts deeply. This is thought provoking ...
It's as if the path to perfection left a trail of blood ...

So sad. Many a child would be happy with a little puppy, but there are not only playful sides to such a choice.

You rendered your thoughts very well.

Love,
Margherita

"Love is the One who masters all things;
I am mastered totally by Love."
(Rumi)

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate

since 2000-10-29

Posts 19200
Between the Lines

2 posted 2008-10-02 06:15 AM

"You tell me that it's for the betterment of the breed,
but after fifteen years you still cannot see
that you have spun a web of undue hurt."

not sure I understand this part...
although I do see the need for rescuing.

M

turbulent_melody
Junior Member

since 2008-10-01

Posts 22
Australia

3 posted 2008-10-02 06:29 AM

Thankyou very much for the kind words Margherita.

I wrote this poem because I can't understand why anyone would really want to breed pets and show dogs, whilst calling them family members, when we have to deal with loss as well as people who neglect their animals.

I agree that the third stanza could use a bit of elaboration, but essentially "the betterment of the breed" implies both improving its anatomical features (the St. Benard, being a large breed, is quite susceptible to health problems such as hip dysplasia) and the welfare of the breed.

Whilst the number of rescue cases go down, we will always have to deal with bad ownership for as long as we continue breeding.

Marge Tindal

Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-06

Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores

4 posted 2008-10-02 07:11 AM

Graham~
Welcome to this wonderful circle of poets and friends~

We have many dog lovers amongst us ... many concerned both with the rescue of those animals in need, and the regulations and guidelines that oversee the breeding industry of the species~

Thanks for your thoughts on the issues~

*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~
Email - noles1@totcon.com

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

5 posted 2008-10-02 08:50 AM

Graham,

Welcome to Passions! Please, check your
email for a Very Special Message!

" It matters not this distance now " Excerpt, Yesterday's Love
~*~
KRJ

steavenr
Member Elite

since 2003-11-17

Posts 4058

6 posted 2008-10-02 03:28 PM

welcome to PiP...tough subject, good write...very nicely done

The Lady
Member Rara Avis

since 2005-12-26

Posts 7634
The Southwest

7 posted 2008-10-02 03:39 PM

yes, a difficult subject
well done Graham

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-16

Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA

8 posted 2008-10-04 06:49 PM

Very expressive...James

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